A family from Safaatoa, Lefaga has expressed shock at the sudden death of their chickens— seven chickens died of unknown causes on Wednesday.

Faafeu Finau told the Samoa Observer that their children discovered four dead chickens early morning Wednesday and by the end of the day they lost seven chickens.

According to Mr. Finau, it is not the first time for their chickens to die in mysterious circumstances. Three years ago they and their neighbours also lost a large number of chicken.

Attempts by this newspaper yesterday to get comments from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Ministry for Natural Resources and Environment were unsuccessful at the time of going press. 

To lessen the risk of infection — if the deaths of the chicken were triggered by an avian disease — Mr. Finau said his family buried the dead poultry further away from their home and plantation. 

“Although this is not the first time this has occurred for our family, we still take immediate action to rid the birds to prevent any spread of the disease. 

I am not aware if there are any other families who have the same situation, but I personally think it is for the health and safety to be cautious,” he said.

None of the chicks were affected and since yesterday no other birds have died, added Mr. Finau, and he is not aware of other families in the area going through a similar experience with their chickens. Though, he urged families with domesticated poultry to take precautions.